Los Angeles — A federal judge in Los Angeles has chosen not to postpone a mental health evaluation outcome discussion for Tom Girardi, the disbarred attorney involved in a notorious $15 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded numerous injured clients. The decision came despite a plea for delay from Girardi’s defense team, ensuring the scheduled court hearing will proceed on April 11.
Josephine Staton, the presiding U.S. District Judge, responded to the prosecution’s request by setting the upcoming date to examine the findings of Girardi’s six-week mental health analysis conducted at a specialized medical facility in North Carolina. The 85-year-old former legal icon spent approximately 45 days at the FMC Butner, a facility known for treating inmates with significant health needs, which aims to assess his cognitive capabilities before sentencing.
Federal prosecutors are advocating for a 14-year prison sentence for Girardi, who was found guilty on four counts of wire fraud in August 2024. In contrast, his defense attorneys are urging the judge to consider placing him in a medical care facility for life, highlighting his severe health deterioration and mental decline.
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons delivered its mental health evaluation of Girardi to the court on March 11. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Paetty indicated that the nearly 30-page report suggests no further testing and is straightforward in its findings, although its contents are not publicly accessible.
Once debated in the upcoming April hearing, Judge Staton is expected to set a date for Girardi’s sentencing. Previously, the judge had agreed to a defense motion to assess whether Girardi’s mental health condition necessitated hospitalization over incarceration. Prosecutors have since argued that despite some signs of cognitive impairment, there is considerable evidence suggesting Girardi has exaggerated his mental health issues to mitigate his legal consequences.
Girardi, once a prominent figure among U.S. attorneys, captured public attention through his representation in high-profile lawsuits, including the notorious case against Pacific Gas & Electric that inspired the film “Erin Brockovich.” However, his reputation unraveled as federal prosecutors revealed how he had misappropriated millions from clients to subsidize a lavish lifestyle that included private jets and supporting the career of his now-estranged wife, Erika Jayne, a former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star.
Adding to the complexity of Girardi’s legal woes, his law firm’s former chief accountant, Chris Kamon, has admitted guilt to facilitating the massive embezzlement scheme. Kamon, set to be sentenced on the same day as Girardi’s mental health hearing, agreed to forfeit $3.1 million as part of his plea deal.
Girardi, now undergoing Chapter 7 bankruptcy along with his defunct law firm, which faces over $500 million in claims, finds his legacy further tarnished by a slew of complaints and serious ethical violations reported to the State Bar of California over his career spanning four decades.
As the legal saga surrounding Girardi continues to unfold, the former lawyer remains in a high-security section of an assisted living facility in Orange County, awaiting his imminent sentencing, which could potentially place him in a medical facility for the remainder of his life.
This article was generated automatically by OpenAI. Facts, individuals, events, and other details in this story may be inaccurate. For corrections, retractions, or to request the removal of content, please reach out to [email protected]